Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation treats abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. Thin catheters are guided into the heart, and the small areas of tissue causing the faulty electrical signals are precisely treated with heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation). It can reduce or stop palpitations and, for many people, lessen the need for long-term rhythm medication.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The heartbeat is driven by electrical signals. In an arrhythmia, faulty signals or extra electrical pathways make the heart beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly, causing palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or tiredness. Catheter ablation treats the source of the problem rather than just masking it with medication.
During the procedure, an electrophysiologist threads thin catheters through a vein, usually in the groin, into the heart. Using detailed electrical mapping — often with three-dimensional navigation — the team identifies the precise tissue responsible and treats it with controlled heat or cold to create tiny scars that block the abnormal signals. It is widely used for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia and some other rhythm disorders.
Because it is catheter-based, ablation avoids open surgery and is often done as a day case or with a single overnight stay. International patients are supported by a coordinator with a clear plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review your ECGs and reports remotely first to confirm whether ablation is appropriate.
Who is a candidate?
- People with atrial fibrillation or flutter causing symptoms or not controlled by medication
- Patients with supraventricular tachycardia or an extra electrical pathway in the heart
- Those who experience troublesome palpitations, breathlessness or dizziness from an arrhythmia
- People who prefer to reduce or avoid long-term rhythm-control medication, where suitable
- Patients in whom medication has not adequately controlled the rhythm or causes side effects
- People seeking a second opinion on whether ablation is appropriate for their arrhythmia
What happens
- 1
Assessment and rhythm mapping
ECGs, sometimes prolonged monitoring, and an echocardiogram characterize the arrhythmia. Your electrophysiologist confirms that ablation is suitable and explains the expected benefit.
- 2
Preparation
Medications, including blood thinners, are managed appropriately, and you are prepared for sedation or general anesthesia depending on the type of ablation planned.
- 3
The procedure
Thin catheters are guided through a vein into the heart, the abnormal tissue is precisely located with electrical mapping, and it is treated with controlled heat or cold to block the faulty signals.
- 4
Short recovery
You rest while the access site seals and your rhythm is monitored. Many patients go home the same day or after one night.
- 5
Follow-up
Your heart rhythm is reviewed over the following weeks as the treated areas heal. International patients receive a clear follow-up plan and remote support after returning home, including medication guidance.
Benefits
- Targets the source of the arrhythmia rather than only masking symptoms
- Can reduce or stop palpitations and improve day-to-day capacity
- May lessen or remove the need for long-term rhythm medication for many patients
- Catheter-based, avoiding open surgery, often with a same-day or single-night stay
- Three-dimensional mapping allows precise, targeted treatment
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter access site
- Rhythm disturbances around the procedure, which the team monitors
- A chance the arrhythmia returns, sometimes requiring a repeat ablation
- Rare risks such as injury to the heart wall, nearby structures or blood vessels
- The continued need for blood-thinning medication in some conditions, such as atrial fibrillation
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Heart Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Catheter Ablation — frequently asked questions
It treats abnormal heart rhythms including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia and some other rhythm disorders, by precisely treating the heart tissue responsible for the faulty electrical signals.
Many people are able to reduce or stop rhythm-control medication after a successful ablation, though this depends on the arrhythmia. Some conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, may still require blood-thinning medication. Your electrophysiologist explains what to expect.
Sometimes. Certain arrhythmias, particularly persistent atrial fibrillation, can return and may need a repeat ablation to achieve lasting control. Your team discusses the likelihood for your specific rhythm.
Yes. Send your ECGs, monitoring results and reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion remotely on whether ablation is appropriate, before you commit to travel.
Ablation often means a same-day or single-night stay plus a short period locally before flying — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case, covering assessment, the procedure and follow-up, rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering catheter ablation?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.